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IND destination photo
MSP destination photo

INDMSP

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is the winner for this route as it offers the most dramatic views of the Mississippi River valley and the Minneapolis city skyline during the final descent into MSP.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Wabash River

Visible shortly after takeoff, this major waterway snakes through the Indiana countryside near Lafayette.

🚜

Illinois-Iowa Farmlands

The intricate geometric patterns of the Midwest's agricultural heartland are highly visible mid-flight.

🦅

Upper Mississippi Refuge

Aerial views of the vast wetlands and islands that form a critical migratory bird path along the river.

🛶

Lake Pepin

A natural widening of the Mississippi River, this beautiful body of water is a highlight during the descent.

🏙️

Minneapolis Skyline

Depending on the wind and landing pattern, the skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis often appear on the left.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct eastern sun. Watch for the dramatic shift from flat plains to the rolling 'Driftless Area' terrain as you enter Minnesota. During winter, look for ice fishing houses appearing as tiny dots on the frozen Mississippi River.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🏙️

Chicago Distance View

On clear days, the distant silhouette of the Chicago skyline and the southern tip of Lake Michigan can be seen to the east.

🏛️

Madison Isthmus

A clear view of the Wisconsin State Capitol situated on the narrow strip of land between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

🌲

Wisconsin Driftless Area

Rugged, unglaciated terrain featuring deep valleys and high ridges that contrast sharply with the surrounding plains.

🏞️

St. Croix River

The scenic border between Wisconsin and Minnesota is visible just before the final approach into the Twin Cities.

🏟️

Downtown St. Paul

The smaller but historic skyline of Minnesota's capital city often passes by on the right side during landing.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the western horizon. If the plane approaches MSP from the north, the right side may get a better view of the suburban chain of lakes that define the Twin Cities metro area.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 808 km (502 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min

Departure: IND (39.7173, -86.294403)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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